The Benefits of Extra-Curricular Activities for Children
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Your child’s education is a crucial element of their overall development and success, but what they do outside of school is equally as important in many ways. In fact, research shows that children who participate in extra-curricular activities tend to perform better in school anyway, due to the various soft skills they develop when pursuing hobbies. I have teamed up with a private school in North London to explore the benefits of extra-curricular activities in further detail.
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Extra-Curricular Activities Boost Confidence
One of the key benefits of extra-curricular activities is that they boost a child’s confidence and support their overall character development. They allow youngsters to develop personal interests, uncover their own strengths and weaknesses, and become unique individuals by unlocking passions they never knew they had. Of course, the type of hobby your child pursues will determine what type of skills they are able to enhance, but generally speaking extra-curricular activities will help them learn problem solving skills, time-management, goal setting, and the importance of hard work. As they become more competent, their sense of self-worth will also grow.
Extra-Curricular Activities Support Social Development
Many extra-curricular activities allow youngsters to meet likeminded people; other children who share their interests. As such, they become more comfortable making friends and developing their social skills. Group activities like sports or drama will build teamwork and communication skills. However, not only do children have the chance to bond with people their own age, but they also connect with a positive adult role model, such as a coach, mentor, or tutor.
Extra-Curricular Activities Enhance Job Prospects
When the time comes for your child to start applying for a job, being able to demonstrate personal interests and show certain skills they have been able to develop will certainly help them with the application. For instance, if they were part of a debate club, the hiring manager will see that they have public speaking experience and strong communication skills. The same concept applies to university applications too!
These are just a few of the many benefits of extra-curricular activities for children. Be sure to find out what’s on offer at your child’s school or do some research into the local area to see if you can find something suitable. Just make sure your child’s hobbies are their choice, as forcing them to pursue something they’re not genuinely interested in will have the adverse effect.
The good news is there are so many extra-curricular activities to choose from, from the traditional options like music or sport, to more obscure options like chess club or coding lessons.
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